Hid from Our Eyes

Clare Fergusson/Russ Van Alstyne, Book 9

By: Julia Spencer-Fleming

Narrated by: Suzanne Toren

Length: 13 hrs and 37 mins

Publisher's summary

This program includes a bonus conversation with the author

New York Times best seller Julia Spencer-Fleming returns to her beloved Clare Fergusson/Russ Van Alstyne mystery series with new crimes that span decades in Hid from Our Eyes.

1952. Millers Kill Police Chief Harry McNeil is called to a crime scene where a woman in a party dress has been murdered with no obvious cause of death.

1972. Millers Kill Police Chief Jack Liddle is called to a murder scene of a woman that's very similar to one he worked as a trooper in the '50s. The only difference is this time, they have a suspect. Young Vietnam War veteran Russ van Alstyne found the body while riding his motorcycle and is quickly pegged as the prime focus of the investigation.

Present-day. Millers Kill Police Chief Russ van Alstyne gets a 911 call that a young woman has been found dead in a party dress, the same MO as the crime he was accused of in the '70s. The pressure is on for Russ to solve the murder before he's removed from the case.

Russ will enlist the help of his police squad and Reverend Clare Fergusson, who is already juggling the tasks of being a new mother to her and Russ' baby and running St. Alban's Church, to finally solve these crimes.

Listeners have waited years for this newest book and Julia Spencer-Fleming delivers with the exquisite skill and craftsmanship that have made her such a success. 

A Macmillan Audio production from Minotaur Books

"Superb.... Julia Spencer-Fleming makes a triumphant return." (Associated Press)

©2020 Julia Spencer-Fleming (P)2020 Macmillan Audio

What happened to the ending?

I have listened to all her books & loved them all. The unique relationship between Clare & Russ is the best and the story line is great. The narrater is wonderful. I waited so long for this book—even had it pre-ordered. The book, for the most part, was a good listen, but the (so called ending) left a very bad question in my mind—What in the world was Spencer-Fleming thinking? I couldn’t even enjoy the interview at the end. The interview was long enough for her to have used the time to finish a proper ending to the book. I shall think very hard before I order her next Clare & Russ’s book (if there even is one). Very disappointed with this failed attempt to pen such a book as part of a mystery series.

Character Annoyances

This is my least favorite of the series, and it's hard to pin down exactly why. Part of it is the characterization, particularly Clare, and part of it is the narrator. Clare has always been such a strong person; she shows a lot of weakness in this one, and I didn't like it. I have a lot of experience with substance abuse in my own family, and it seems like Clare is still in denial about her own situation. The first thing an addict has to do is admit the problem and Clare is not doing this. The second thing is to get help and vow to be completely honest with loved ones. She is definitely not doing this; she is being dishonest and secretive, and at this stage of her game it is disturbing. Her inner turmoil might be part of why her baby is so cranky.

The narration part of this was good, except I do not remember Russ's voice being so raspy. Every time Russ spoke I pictured an old woman in curlers and a ratty bathrobe, a hard drinker and chain smoker. I also thought that Hadley sounded like an over-emotional teenager, rather than a woman in her early 30s.

I enjoyed the time jumps, actually and I thought the author did a good job of details of the time periods--EXCEPT the years and present day just don't make sense. Present day has to be 2006 or thereabouts to make the other dates correct. I mean, I was born in 1951 and am 68; in the real present day Russ would be only a year younger than I am. It shouldn't matter but it bugged me. I kept doing the mental math, which took me right out of the story. The other thing is that the technology in the present day seemed to be way more advanced than what it would have been in 2006.

I am also not a fan of cliffhangers, and although the main mysteries were solved, there was so much left hanging.

Glad She’s Back

It’s been a long wait for this book in the series and it was well worth the wait. There is a wonderful flow from one book to the next in the Claire/Russ series. Julia Spencer-Fleming is a wonderful author and I absolutely couldn’t put this one down until I finished it. Now, I have to wait for the next one and I’m happy to know that she is already working on it!

Dull Plot, Not worth the wait!

I have loved this series but this one was so boring I am not sure I would continue to listen to future books. Didn't enjoy the constant back and forth between decades. Lost interest in storyline. I don't like books that leave you with cliffhangers. Especially since this author takes a long time between novels.

A lot of woke anti- business sentiment

We were alarmed by the anti-capitalist sentiments and "woke" ideas that the author appears to embrace. As a result I found the conclusion disappointing . We will not read further additions to the series despite having enjoyed her previous books.

Poor Ending Ruins Excellent Book

Great book until the author tries to set up future books. The predictability of the actions took away from a book I was enjoying.

Unfortunate Interpretation of a Southern Accent

This is the first of the Clare and Russ books I’ve listened to on Audiobook. As a southerner and longtime fan of these books, I was really disappointed when I heard a “Melanie” accent as in Gone With the Wind for Clare. Can’t do it. Money wasted for me. Not bad narration otherwise, but just a horrible interpretation of Clare. I’ve lived all over the south and Clare’s accent will only be found in the movies!

Pronounciation or Spelling

Suzanne, the person who carries the cross is called the crucifer. You keep saying crucifier, who is someone who crucifies another. Julia, I hope you didn’t spell it that way. 🤫 And Suzanne, we say “AH-men” not “AY-men.” My wife who was blind and I read your series on Audible at least twice, and i’ve just finished another round. I have enjoyed each and every one of the books and the narration super every time. I heard your interview and found it very interesting. You both have remarkable, God-given talents. Blessings! Frank from Bath

Wit, wisdom, and guts galore!

I have read all nine of Julia’s books and can hardly wait to find out where Flynn is and what he is thinking. I am SO thankful I did not stop reading at book 7 when I read several negative reviews. I LOVED the emphasis Julia put on the emotional roller coaster ride felt by many military families in that book. My own husband was born and raised in a military family. He himself served in the Army and in 2004 served in Kuwait with his National Guard troop for the year in which our first grandchild was born. Military life is a challenge not only for the soldiers but also for those who love them. Brava, Julia, for spotlighting them. Every single book in this series has touched me in one way or another. I ADORE Clair’s spunk and courage as much as I empathize with Russ who cannot control her (a situation very close to home for this southern gal). I feared I would wake my husband from a nap when I laughed out loud as Clair was giving birth and let out a barrage of curse words, following with “I always thought giving birth would be a ‘spiritual’ experience!” Julia, thank you for all the lives, stories, wit, and wisdom you have imparted through these books. Do you truly hear the voice of your grandmother in your head at times? I do. Keep up the amazing work. Thanks again! Gara

love Julia's books!

I always love to stretch out these audio books. but, this was hard to do with this book! it was awesome! I love it. the plot, the writing and the narration! wonderful!